AAP MLA Jarwal convicted in 2020 doctor suicide case

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 28

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Prakash Jarwal and his associates Kapil Nagar and Harish were found guilty by a Delhi court on Wednesday in connection with an abetment to suicide case involving a south Delhi doctor in 2020.

On April 18, 2020, Dr Rajendra Singh (52) died by suicide at his residence. The police recovered a six-page suicide note that implicated Jarwal, Nagar and Harish in the incident. Jarwal represents the Deoli constituency in north Delhi.

Special Judge MK Nagpal of Rouse Avenue Court convicted Jarwal under multiple sections of the IPC, including 306, 34, 120-B, 386, 506 and 511. Harish was convicted under Section 506 of the IPC.

The judge will hear arguments on the quantum of sentence on March 13. The duo faces a maximum sentence of 10 years following their conviction.

In his suicide note, the doctor had accused Jarwal of driving him to end his life. The police had registered a case of alleged extortion and abetment to suicide against Jarwal on the basis of the note.

Like Jarwal, Singh was also associated with the Delhi Jal Board since 2007 and was involved in the business of supplying water through tankers. The police alleged that the MLA and his associates were extorting money from other water tanker owners, including Singh.

The FIR said Singh had been threatened and intimidated by Jarwal and his men.

The police said their investigation revealed that the money extorted from water tanker owners was routed through Anil Jarwal, the MLA’s brother, and invested in several properties and farm houses in Delhi, Gurugram and Jaipur.

Advocate Ravi Drall, Jarwal’s lawyer said, “Many witnesses turned hostile during the trial, and of those who were cross-examined, their statements were disproved. Even after this, the court has convicted him. We have full faith in the judicial system and will challenge the decision in the High Court.”

Jarwal, speaking to the media, stated that if he had joined the BJP, he would have been acquitted. He emphasised that throughout the entire trial, nothing was proven against him. He further expressed his unwavering faith in the judiciary and declared his intention to challenge the conviction in the High Court.

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